Patricia A. Welsh

Patricia Andrews Welsh passed away on March 7, 2026. Born on September 29, 1934, in Lee County, South Carolina, to Laurens Ryan Andrews, Sr. and Mattie Carter Andrews of Elliott, she was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a cherished friend and faithful servant of Christ. Her deep faith in Jesus guided every aspect of her life, while her love for family, friends, and simple joys left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A graduate of Bishopville High School and the University of South Carolina, Patricia spent three decades teaching second grade at Belvedere Elementary. She was a longtime, joyful member of First Baptist Church in North Augusta, where she taught Sunday School with creativity and warmth, becoming known for her memorable props, object lessons, and “Pat-isms.” She delighted in gathering her family for tailgating at Clemson football games, where her chicken tenders, cheese cubes, and “chewbread” were legendary. Few things brought her greater happiness than sitting in a beach chair at Surfside Beach, where she would joyfully declare, “I can see the ocean!”

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 67 years, Josey Dow Welsh, Sr., her brother Laurens Ryan Andrews, Jr., and her parents. Patricia is survived by her four children, Anne Matson (John), Lisa Smith (Richard), Sheryl Craig (Larry), and Dow Welsh (Karen); nine grandchildren, William (Olivia), Kara, Anna Ryan, Davis (Matti), Bailey, Trent, Carter, Meredith, and Holden; and six great-grandchildren, Wells, Warner, Lee, Ranz, Rollin, and Pearl.

The family is grateful for the loving care she received from the staff and friends at Wellmore, LiveLong, Curana, and Broad River Rehab in Lexington, South Carolina, during the final chapter of her life.